Fitzpatrick skin type test — find yours, understand why it matters

The Fitzpatrick scale groups skin into six types based on how it reacts to sun. Every dermatologist uses it to plan laser fluence, peel strength, and pigmentation protocols. Skip it and the odds of burns and hyperpigmentation go up sharply.

The 5-question self test

Rate each question 0–4 and add up:

• Natural (untanned) skin colour — 0=ivory, 4=dark brown
• Eye colour — 0=light blue/grey, 4=brownish black
• Natural hair colour — 0=red/light blonde, 4=black
• Freckles on unexposed skin — 0=many, 4=none
• Ethnic background — 0=white, 4=dark brown/black

Total and match:

• 0–7 = Type I — very fair, always burns, never tans
• 8–16 = Type II — fair, burns easily, tans minimally
• 17–25 = Type III — light brown, burns moderately, tans gradually
• 25–30 = Type IV — olive to light brown, burns minimally, tans well
• 31–35 = Type V — brown, rarely burns, tans dark
• 36+ = Type VI — dark brown to black, never burns

Why the clinical team needs this

For laser: I–II tolerate higher fluence; V–VI need pigment-specific wavelengths (Nd:YAG 1064 nm). For chemical peels: deep peels safe only for I–III; IV–VI need superficial-to-medium peels plus pigment prophylaxis. For pigmentation: darker skin types need gentler settings and test spots.

Where most Indian patients sit

Most Indian patients fall in III–V. South Indian and darker North Indian patients often V. Type VI less common here but seen. Self-tests can be one type off — your dermatologist confirms at consultation.